MESSAGE FROM HEADQUARTERS | | As we close out this year and look ahead, I want to share why I’m proud of NFID’s work and what we are focused on going forward. Our mission is straightforward: to help people access accurate, science-based information about infectious diseases so they can make informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. In today’s environment, that mission feels more important than ever. | | | We are living through a moment when misinformation spreads quickly and confidence in vaccines is under pressure. NFID’s role is to serve as a trusted convener and translator of science—bringing experts together, supporting healthcare professionals and the public with evidence-based education, and cutting through the noise with practical information people can use. Here’s how that role has shown up in our work over the past several months. | | |
Our Leading By Example initiative encourages healthcare professionals and public health advocates to model the behaviors that help protect us all. By sharing our stories, supporting one another, and engaging in open, fact-based dialogue, we help build trust and resilience in our communities.
Across our Clinical Vaccinology Course and webinars, NFID translates emerging science into practical education that supports healthcare professionals in their day-to-day work with patients. Our Annual Conference on Vaccinology Research brings together the diverse disciplines involved in vaccine research, development, implementation, and real-world evaluation. Help us develop the 2026 conference by completing this brief survey.
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We have also spoken up alongside our partners to protect public health. In November, NFID led a joint letter signed by more than 60 scientific and medical organizations urging evidence-based guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), especially in areas where public confidence is fragile. In December, we joined leading scientific, medical, and patient advocacy organizations in strongly supporting the hepatitis B vaccination schedule, including the birth dose and broad adult vaccination. Most recently, we convened a steering committee to plan a response to growing measles concerns, bringing together experts and organizations to coordinate a shared, proactive approach. Together, these efforts underscore NFID’s role as a trusted voice advocating for science-driven policies and communications that protect public health.
The work ahead will be challenging. By providing clear, evidence-based guidance, strengthening partnerships, and remaining firmly grounded in science, NFID will continue to help people navigate health decisions with confidence and support a healthier, more resilient future.
Best regards,
Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH
NFID CEO
| | P.S. Thank you for supporting science and thank you for supporting NFID. Donate online at: www.nfid.org/donate. | | RESPIRATORY SEASON RESOURCES | | |
As the 2025–2026 respiratory season unfolds, NFID is urging individuals and healthcare professionals to follow evidence-based guidance to help protect against flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease. Results from a recent NFID survey show vaccination rates declining and persistent misconceptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness, even as these diseases surge.
During an October 29 news briefing on healthcare professionals and vaccine uptake, experts representing the American Medical Association (AMA), American Nurses Association (ANA), and American Pharmacists Association (APhA) shared resources and discussed how clinicians can lead by example in advocating for immunization. In a December 3 news briefing detailing what’s at stake this respiratory season, panelists Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH; Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD; Tom Frieden, MD, MPH, and Nandini Selvam, PhD, MPH shared insights on emerging challenges, vaccination data trends, and the health implications of lagging vaccine uptake.
Learn more and access partner resources at www.nfid.org/2025flunews
| | FLU MOVES FAST—YOU SHOULD TOO | | While the briefings focused on increasing immunization uptake, NFID launched a new Flu Moves Fast—You Should Too campaign to raise awareness about flu antiviral medications that can help patients feel better faster and prevent serious flu-related complications. The campaign features shareable resources, including videos and graphics for the public and a fact sheet for healthcare professionals. | | NFID BLOG: RESOURCES AND INSIGHTS | | |
Why We Give Hepatitis B Vaccines to Infants
Approximately 90% of infants who are exposed to hepatitis B will develop a chronic infection, placing them at increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life. Special thanks to HepB United for this guest blog post on the importance of the hepatitis B birth dose ...
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Other recent posts featuring NFID partners and thought-leaders include:
| | 2025 NFID AWARDS GALA: CELEBRATING HEROES | | |
NFID paid tribute to 3 extraordinary leaders who are working to protect public health worldwide at the 2025 NFID Awards Gala and Silent Auction on October 16, 2025, in Washington, DC. NFID President Jeffery A. Goad, PharmD, MPH, thanked outgoing NFID CEO Marla Dalton, CAE, PE, who officially passed the baton to the new NFID CEO Rebecca Alvania, PhD, MA, MPH. NFID Immediate Past-President Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, presented the 2025 awards:
- Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award to Anne E. Goldfeld, MD, of Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health
- Maxwell Finland Award for Scientific Achievement to Rino Rappuoli, PhD, of the Fondazione Biotecnopolo di Siena
- John P. Utz Leadership Award to Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (retired)
Know an extraordinary public health hero deserving of recognition? Nominations for the 2026 NFID awards are now open. The deadline is January 28, 2026.
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Collaboration is a core value of NFID and partnerships help sustain our important work in the fight against infectious diseases.
Join the growing list of 300+ partner organizations that share the NFID vision of healthier lives for all through effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Learn more at: www.nfid.org/partner-organizations.
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Cut Through the Noise About Vaccines
NFID joined the American Lung Association and American Academy of Pediatrics in collaborating with PatientPoint to support frontline healthcare professionals in helping patients cut through the noise and misinformation about vaccines, sharing this video and educational resources in clinics and medical offices across the US
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Trusted Teen CommUNITY (TTC)
Unity® Consortium created the Trusted Teen CommUNITY Program to train and empower young people to become informed, culturally aware vaccine ambassadors. The goal is to pair 10,000 teens with mentors to work on health communications.
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APhA Vaccine Confidence
In partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, the American Pharmacists Association launched a website with tools and resources to build vaccine confidence, including vaccine access maps for the public and resources for healthcare professionals
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As the year comes to an end, refresh your knowledge on the latest evidence-based recommendations and practical immunization strategies. The online Clinical Vaccinology Course is available until February 27, 2026.
Learn more and register for access: www.nfid.org/cvc
| | | | NFID congratulates former NFID Director Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, on her new role at the Gates Foundation, where she serves as Director, Polio. In this position, Neuzil leads global efforts to eradicate polio and strengthen immunization and disease surveillance systems worldwide. A nationally recognized expert in vaccinology and infectious diseases, Neuzil has dedicated her career to advancing vaccine research, policy, and implementation to help protect people of all ages. She previously served as associate director for international research at the National Institutes of Health and was the first female director of the Fogarty International Center. | | | | Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, Director-General of the World Health Organization, has been honored with the 2025 Elisabeth B. Weintz Humanitarian Award, which recognizes visionary public figures who demonstrate superior leadership in a time of humanitarian crisis. The award, presented by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, celebrates his extraordinary contributions to global health and humanitarian leadership, including his efforts to address epidemics, strengthen health systems, and promote equity worldwide. Dr. Tedros was the 2011 recipient of the NFID Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award for his longstanding dedication to public health and service. | | |
Accurate information helps saves lives. NFID provides trusted information to empower individuals to make good decisions about their health. Your support helps us address misinformation and share reliable resources with communities across the US.
Donate Today—Every Contribution Makes a Difference
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